French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that his country will soon recognize a Palestinian state, a decision that Israel condemned. The news came as talks seeking a ceasefire in Gaza were halted when the U.

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany demanded Israel allow unrestricted aid into Gaza to end a “humanitarian catastrophe," after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country will become the first major Western power to recognize a Palestinian state.

When Macron visited the Egyptian town of Al-Arish on the border with Gaza in April, he was struck by the mounting humanitarian crisis and made clear on his return home that Paris would soon opt for recognition.